Town Square

Motorcycle noise pollution

Original post made
by Paloaltojon, Crescent Park,
on Jun 16, 2008

Is it just me? Am I getting old and cranky?

Last week I had to suspend my dinner conversation twice while unmuffled motorcycles cruised by the University Ave restaurant where I was dining. This past weekend, I was jolted out of a sound sleep at 2:15 AM when an unmuffled motorcycle roared past my Hamilton Ave home (I'd bet he hit 80 mph by the time he rounded the dog-leg at Chaucer and continued down the Hamilton Ave straight-away.)

It is my impression that it is increasingly popular to equip motorcycles with straight pipes, i.e., unmuffled. While it is not the biggest issue in our community, maybe a few of us should ask the chief of police to just-say-no.

Posted by Sylai
a resident of Leland Manor/Garland Drive
on Jun 16, 2008 at 11:02 pm

I agree, but it's very hard to catch offenders. I would like to see the police tagging those noisemakers with a stiff fine. Anyone who drives a motorcycle in that way is just plain ignorant, or stupid.

Posted by Walter E. Wallis
a resident of Midtown
on Jun 18, 2008 at 9:42 am

Loud pipes save lives? negatory, good buddies. A biker saves his life by situational awareness and maneuverability. You avoid T-boning by not being there. Loud pipes don't even give better performance, since modern mufflers actually expedite exhaust scavenging. Loud pipes are a juvenile form of audio vandalism. Real men don't need trumpets to announce their manhood.

Posted by Wearing Earplugs
a resident of South of Midtown
on Jun 29, 2008 at 10:09 pm

Downtown San Luis Obispo used to be tranquil, now it's the thing to have really loud cars and motorcycles. Walking around downtown there is not pleasant now. Might want to nip this PA issue in the bud.

Don't miss out on the discussion!Sign up to be notified of new comments on this topic.

Email:

Post a comment

Posting an item on Town Square is simple and requires no registration. Just complete this form and hit "submit" and your topic will appear online.
Please be respectful and truthful in your postings so Town Square will continue to be a thoughtful gathering place for sharing community information
and opinion. All postings are subject to our TERMS OF USE, and may be deleted if deemed inappropriate by our staff.

We prefer that you use your real name, but you may use any "member" name you wish.